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http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/opinion/too-many-cons-for-annexation-166493.html

Too many cons for annexation | Rocky Mount Telegram | Friday, October 03, 2008

Expressing a view on the proposed annexation of Old Carriage Farm subdivision is an exercise in futility. It is a done deal. The letter of intent clearly states, "Annexation does not require a vote of citizens to be annexed nor a vote of the general city." We get the drill — meetings, meetings, meetings. Nevertheless, it is a predetermined decision.

One problem-solving method is the "T Chart" with pros listed on one side and cons on the other.

There is one pro. We won't have to pay for private waste disposal. We will pay the city.

The cons are:

Cost — approximately $5,000+ for hook-ups for water and sewer plus city taxes per homeowner.

Feasibility — the city's police and fire department are already overburdened and water supply is limited.

Street Maintenance — the State supplies this.

Street Lights — we already have them.

Timing — these are perilous economic times when additional payments for services we are already getting is an unneeded burden.

Private Property — established yards will be mutilated.

We do not believe that the city is so altruistic that annexation is being done to "help" us.

It is being done to fatten city coffers and to swell the population count.

Will somebody — anybody — please convince us of the true benefits to our community? We feel we are in the midst of a hostile takeover.

Joan E. Hawley

Rocky Mount

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